# NTSB SEA87LA168: Beech G35, N4235D, Kent, WA, August 18, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 17, 1987, 17:00 local (Aug 18, 1987, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Kent, WA
- Coordinates: 47.360317, -122.099922 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3603&lon=-122.0999&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40678
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA168
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40678/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA168

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - propeller system/accessories,prop blade retention - previous damage (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories,blade - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER ROTATION A PROPELLER BLADE SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT WITH THE REMAINING PROPELLER HUB ASSEMBLY AND THE OTHER BLADE ALSO FALLING FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT STRAIGHT AHEAD ON THE REMAINING RUNWAY. THE HUB WAS OVERHAULED 7 HRS. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE PROPELLERS AND HUB ASSEMBLY REVEALED THAT THE SEPARATION OF THE BLADE FROM THE HUB WAS THE RESULT OF THE USE OF THE SEVERELY DAMAGED BLADE RETENTION NUT IN THE OVERHAULED PROPELLER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4235D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4235D-1989-07-12), registration cancelled 1989-07-12, S/N D4445 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH G35
- Registry model: [Beech G35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-g35) (registry code 1151516) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: D4445
- Airframe hours: 4609
- Engines: CONTINENTAL E-225-8 225 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John Overman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 22, 1987
- Destination: ELN, ELLENBURG, WA
- Airport: S36, Crest Airpark, runway 33, 3,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 518 total, 518 in this make and model, 494 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870817080649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870817080649A), Aug 17, 1987: Beech G35, Kent, WA, Substantial damage. Propeller blades separated from aircraft on takeoff. Aborted. Blade retention nut damaged prior to installation.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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